This is my favorite embroidery stitch reference book. The original book by Mary Thomas was published in the 1930s, and has proved to be a classic. This newer edition, edited by Jan Eaton, presents the embroidery stitches by type of stitch (such as outline stitches, filling stitches, canvas stitches). For each stitch, there is a color photograph; a clear, color-keyed line drawing; and two or three paragraphs on how to make the stitch, when it is best used, and helpful tips. The organization of the book is sensible and easy to follow. If you wanted to buy just one embroidery stitch guide, I'd recommend this one.

Wikipedia in English (3)

This practical dictionary of embroidery stitches, which was originally published in 1934, has now been updated and illustrated. It shows details of 400 stitches - the working method, the effective use of the stitch and the suitable threads and materials. Photographs of historic embroideries from Europe, America and the Orient illustrate how the stitches can be used.

(retrieved from Amazon Thu, 12 Mar 2015 18:12:46 -0400)

▾Library descriptions

'Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches' was first published in 1934 and has been reprinted dozens of time since. it is regarded as a class and had always proved popular with novice and experienced embroiderers alike.